Method for making shaded artwork

ABSTRACT

A METHOD OF SHADING ARTWORK SUCH AS PICTORIAL REPRESENTATIONS WHEREIN PAINT, PENCIL, CHALK OR OTHER SUITABLE SUBSTANCE IS DEPOSITED ON A PLURALITY OF CLOSELY SPACED PROJECTIONS ON A SURFACE WHICH ARE FORMED TO ACCEPT PREDETERMINED AMOUNTS OF PAINT, PENCIL OR CHALK OR OTHER SUITABLE SUBSTANCE TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHADING. WHEN THE USER DESIRES CHALK AS HIS MEDIUM, THE IMAGE MAY BE PRESERVED BY APPLYING A FIXING COAT TO THE SURFACE AND MAY ALSO BE HIGHLIGHTED BY APPLYING PAINTS TO THE SURFACE.

April 10, 1973 J. c. CISKOWSKI 3,726,702

METHOD FOR MAKING SHADED ARTWORK Filed Dec. 17, 1970 INVENTOR.

JEROME C. CISKOWSKI BY A rTo/Zve: /5

United States Patent ftice 3,726,702 Patented Apr. 10, 1973 3,726,702 METHOD FOR MAKING SHADED ARTWORK Jerome C. Ciskowski, 37396 Mario Drive, Sterling Heights, Mich. 48077 Filed Dec. 17, 1970, Ser. No. 99,113 Int. Cl. B440 1/20; B44d 1/02 US. Cl. 11737 R 14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method of shading artwork such as pictorial representations wherein paint, pencil, chalk or other suitable substance is deposited on a plurality of closely spaced projections on a surface which are formed to accept predetermined amounts of paint, pencil or chalk or other suitable substance to provide appropriate shading. When the user desires chalk as his medium, the image may be preserved by applying a fixing coat to the surface and may also be highlighted by applying paints to the surface.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been found that aids to artistry are often helpful in stimulating an interest in drawing, painting or other artistic pursuits. These aids may be relatively simple in form and be useful with both young and old age groups such as coloring books, hobby paint kits and the like. Coloring books are line drawings, and as such, are quite effective in establishing the overall form of the depicted objects. They are, however, of little value in establishing guidelines for shading the objects. Shading is quite important for portraying the three dimensional qualities of the object, establishing the mood of the drawing, and generally improving upon the artistic qualities of the drawing. Therefore, it has been the object of the industries producing artistic aids to develop and provide a method which guides the shading of an object, and which may be practiced without requiring excessive skill on the part of the user. One such effort has resulted in a product often referred toas paint by numbers wherein a basic form is subdivided into many parts in accordance with the shading to be depicted. Shading is simulated by painting the various subdivided parts with paints of varying but discreet tones. Although this system does simulate shading to some degree, it is essentially a line drawing using a uniform color within the area of a subdivided part. Accordingly, there is no continuous, uniform blending of the colors across an area defined by several subdivided parts. Moreover, a great number of colors are required contributing to the cost of the sets, and consequently, limiting their popularity. In addition to the above disadvantages, the paint by number systems involve a laborious process and require strict attention to detail, and therefore, are not suitable for use by young age groups.

The present invention provides a method for shading drawings wherein only a single color is required to effect shading of depicted object and wherein the shading may continuously vary over the shaded area. Additionally, the present invention provides a method which is suitable for use by young age groups, use's materials which have been highly developed heretofore, and specifically, uses common chalks, paints and the like in combination with drawing boards which are produced using photo-mechanical techniques developed for the printing industry. Consequently, kits for practicing the method of this invention may be economically produced. More particularly, the method of this invention uses a half-tone photographic impressioned surface which has a plurality of closely spaced mounds or projections which are sized soas to retain a chalk or other suitable coloring or drawing substance in appropriate quantities so as to be visually representative of the desired shading of the object depicted on the drawing surface. A drawing or coloring surface on, for example, a paper material may be prepared much like the photo-mechanical techniques currently being used to produce letterpress plates for newspaper reproduction. This commerically accepted method is used in printing photographs and other shaded patterns. The chalk, paint or other suitable substance may be deposited on the projecting mounds directly by rubbing a bar of the chalk or dry brushing paint over the surface causing particles or quantities of the chalk or paint to detach and deposit on the projections. As an alternative method of practicing the present invention, a thin paper, e.g. tracing paper, may be placed over the surface to receive the chalk or other material in accordance with the size and location of the projections, and consequently to provide an image on the overlying paper. When the user prefers to use the chalk method to attain the picture image, he can permanently preserve the image on the surface by using a clear fixing coat which is preferably sprayed over the chalked surface. Highlights or areas of intense color may be added to the surface either before or after the fixing coat using conventional paints.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a board including a surface which has been partially shaded by application of a chalk-like or other suitable material according to the method of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a portion of the surface of the board of FIG. 1 which has not been shaded by the chalk-like substance;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the board of FIG. 1 illustrating the application of chalk or other suitable material to the surface;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the surface of FIG. 3 illustrating a fixing coat on the surface and the application of highlighting paint;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a surface of FIG. 3 having a thin sheet of paper overlying the surface which illustrates the application of chalk or other suitable material to the overlying paper; and

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the use of the method illustrated in FIG. 5 to selectively assemble figures or other images from component parts separately formed on a surface of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1, an art board 10 is shown having a drawing surface 12 thereon which is adapted to be used with the method of this invention. For example, the drawing surface 12 may depict a flower-containing vase positioned on a table as illustrated in FIG. 1. With reference now to FIG. 2 in which an unfinished portion of the drawing surface 12 is illustrated in detail, the construction of the drawing surface 12 will be more apparent. The drawing surface 12 has a plurality of closely spaced indentations and projections 14 of varying size. These projections may be formed by a process familiar to the printing and plate making art in the construction of paper mats for use in making newspaper printing plates. In fact, a paper mat as produced in the process for producing letterpress plates for newspaper reproduction may be satisfactorily used.

The paper mats are derived from photographs and the like in the following manner. A positive print of a photograph which is to form the basis for the drawing surface 12 is photographed through a screen. The screen may be a glass plate having fine cross-hatched lines inscribed so that a photographic recording taken through the screen has both the fine mesh of the screen and the shading and lines of the original photograph recorded thereon. A negative produced by the above photographic technique is mounted on a glass plate and its image is transferred to a sensitized zinc plate by means of a strong light. The zinc is then placed in an acid bath which erodes those parts of the plate which have not been exposed to light. The result is a pattern of projecting dots which are spaced in accordance with the original fine screen but are of varying crosssection, i.e. projection and breadth, to represent the shading of the original photograph. The darker tones of the original photograph produce larger dots than the lighter tones. The drawing surface 12 is formable from the zinc plates, also by a process well-known to the printing art. Particularly, a moist, blotter-like paper mat may be laid over the zinc page and thereafter rolled under high pressure, for example, 2,000 psi. or more, to impress the dot pattern on the mat. The mat is then dried by baking to produce an art board having the surface 12 formed thereon. Since the dots on the zinc plate were in the form of projections, the surface 12 is provided with corresponding indentations shown at 14 with larger and/or wider indentations, resulting in narrower or smaller ridges, representing darker or more intense shades. By way of illustration, the projections 14 representing the vase shown on the surface 12 may be generally larger than the indentations representing the table so as to show the vase in a more intense color.

It will be appreciated that the above description of the formation of a surface 12 to be used with the method of this invention was predicated upon the taking of a positive photographic recording through the screen. If a negative print is photographed to produce a drawing surface 12, projections and indentations are produced having opposite meaning. That is, the smaller or narrower indentations, resulting in larger or Wider ridges, will represent darker or more intense shades. For reasons to be apparent hereinafter, it is preferred that the surface 12 be generally dark in color when a positive photographic print is used and the surface 12 be generally light in color when a negative photographic print is used.

The projections across the vase and across the table may gradually vary in size to produce a shading effect representative of the dimensional features of the vase and the lay of the table. Some demarcation in the character of the projections between the vase and the table will differentiate the two as the pencil or colored chalk is applied to facilitate the application of the different colors to each of these objects. If the user desires another color in an area he has already applied color to, or careless application requires erasing, chalk can be erased without damage to the surface 12 of the art board 10. A line drawing printed on the art board may also prove to be helpful as a guideline. An indication of the demarcation between the vase and table may also be achieved by rubbing lightly with chalk or pencil in the vicinity of the dcmarcation to initially bring out the image, and therefore, provide a guideline for coloring. The background for the 4 vase and table may be plain, i.e. smooth, or may comprise projections. In the case of human portraits, it is preferred to provide a plain dark background to bring out the outline of the figure accurately and eliminate all chance of error in attaining the likeness of the individual.

Although the above description of the production of an art board 10 has been made with respect to a fine mesh screen as the means for producing a pattern of indentations and projections, other screens may be used to produce this result. For example, screens with random patterns often referred to as Mezzo Tint may be used. Still further choices are available, for example, screens which have a circular or wave-like pattern.

In the practice of the preferred method of this invention, chalks or other suitable substances having a color or tone which contrasts with the surface 12, which may be in the form of a stick as shown at 16 in FIG. 3, or pastel pencil having a rubbing surface with a width which is substantially greater than the spacing between the projections 14, are rubbed across the surface 12 so that particles 16 thereof detach and are deposited on the pro jections 14. The lower surfaces or indentations retain a less-significant amount of chalk and therefore are not as effective in establishing the color intensity. It can be seen that the projections which are of larger size and quantity present a greater area of solid color to a viewers eye for a given surface area than projections of a smaller size and quantity. Since the number of projections per inch is very large (determined by screen being used when making the photo-mechanical negative) the colors appear to be blended. Accordingly, the areas of the larger projections in which the solid color is least interrupted appearsas an area of more vivid color than the areas of the smaller projections where the interruption of the solid color is to a greater degree. The coloring effect may be enhanced or modified by selection of the color of the mat or art board 10. Chalks of different colors may be selectively applied to different, and at times mutually eX- clusive, areas according to the form of the subject de picted on the surface 12 to bring out the (form and colors of the subject.

It can be seen in FIG. 3 that the surface 12 was formed by a letterpress plate made from a screen with evenlyspaced cross-hatching, and accordingly, the centers of the indentations are evenly spaced. As explained previously, the screen need not have even spacing, and accordingly the indentations may be irregularly spaced.

Although it is prefererd to use colored chalks such as pastels or a dry brushed opaque paint, graphite pencil may also be used to produce a black and white image with good effect. However, crayons and wax-like coloring devices are not preferred since they tend to clog the indentations of the surface 12, and consequently, do not provide the shading effect as well as chalk-like substances.

In FIG. 4, the art board of FIGS. 1-3 is shown after the application of chalk and a thin, clear fixing coat 18 is used to retain the chalk on the projections 14. The coat 18 is preferably applied by spraying a solution over the chalk surface. These fixing coats are well known to the art industry, and therefore, a detailed description of its use will not be given here.

Since in one method of practicing this invention, chalklike substances are used which often do not have the intense color needed for highlighting, conventional paints can be applied after the chalk has been applied, and preferably, after the fixing coat has been applied. For example, as shown at 20, a brush 22 may be conventionally used to apply the paints at selected areas. The art board surface is also adaptable to ink when applied discreetly for emphasis, outlining, clear backgrounds, borders or interesting effects when used in conjunction with chalk, paint and/or pencil. Paints may be satisfactorily used as well as chalks and other materials by dry brushing the paints onto the surface 12 such that the paint generally adheres only to the projections 14.

In FIG. 5, another method of practicing this invention is illustrated. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a thin sheet of paper overlies the drawing surface 12 of the board 10. For example, the paper 24 may be of a type commonly referred to as tracing paper. A chalk bar, or in this case, a crayon stick 26 may be rubbed over the paper 24 to cause deposition of the crayon or chalk material on the paper 24 at the projections 14 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this regard, the pliability of the paper 24 allows the projections 14 to be transferred to the paper 24 so that the paper 24 can be considered to have appropriate projections. It can be seen that the tissue paper 24 receives the image and can be removed from the board 10. Moreover, the board 10 is free of crayon or chalk, and consequently, can be reused. The method of FIG. may also be advantageously adapted for constructing figures, objects and/or flowers, etc. as illustrated in FIG. 6. Particularly, individual parts of figures which represent alternative choices may be impressioned on a drawing board so that the user may selectively position a tracing paper 24 over the drawing board 10 so as to construct one figure of many alternatives on the tracing paper 24.

Preferably, the method according to the invention is practiced using a kit which includes all of the necessary materials. For example, the kit may include several art boards which are designed to depict different subjects, a selection of chalk bars, pencils and/or paints of different colors, and fixing solution. Illustrations may be included showing finished drawings or photographs to guide the user of the kit. These illustrations may be supplied separately (in color or black and white) or may be shown on a box or other container for the kit.

Although the board 10 has been generally described herein as a conventional paper mat used in printing processes, it may be constructed of other materials to include plastics and metals to improve its durability, particularly when used with the method of FIGS. 5 and 6.

Preferably, when used with the method of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the art board 10 can be easily cut with scissors to fit any unusually shaped frame or area. Also preferably, it is flexible, whereby it can be safely bent, without fear of breaking, to fit an unusually contoured wall or pillar. The art board may be constructed so that, on close inspection, it has the look and feel of canvas. As still another benefit, names, dates, slogans, poems, speeches, etc. can be made to appear in the picture itself. Even a textured frame can be pressed into the mat paper border making it an even more economical buy.

In view of the foregoing description of the method according to this invention, it can be seen that shaded drawings can be produced by those having little artistic skill. Moreover, pleasing results are attained, and therefore, the continued interest in artistic endeavors is encouraged. Additionally, a kit containing the necessary materials such as drawing boards having appropriate projections and chalk bars or pencils of different colors and/or paints may be supplied at relatively low cost. Therefore, a kit for practicing the method of this invention is ideally suited for use at educational institutions having limited budgets for supplies.

While it will be apparent that the teachings herein are well calculated to each one skilled in the art the method of making preferred embodiment of this invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope of meaning of the subjoined claims.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:

1. A method for shading art work representing at least one subject with variable shading for the subject, said variable shading being represented on any observable surface by a plurality of closely spaced projections providing a plurality of closely spaced upper surface portions with the accumulative area of said upper surface portions with respect to a determinable area of said observable surface varying relatively gradually in predetermined fashion to characterize said variable shading, including the step of rubbing said observable surface with a material which contrasts with the observable surface and which is generally in a form to deposit said material on said plurality of closely spaced upper surface portions provided by said projections in a manner so that a first accumulative area of said upper surface portions with respect to said determinable area of said observable surface provides one degree of shading and a second accumulative area of said upper surface portions with respect to said determinable area of said observable surface provides another degree of shading with variations in shading between said one degree and said other degree of shading being provided by variations in the accumulative area of said upper surface portions with re spect to said determinable area of said observable surface between said first and second accumulative areas, said upper surface portions being sufficiently closely spaced so that said material on said projections appears to be sufficiently blended to an observer whereby an appearance of varying shading on said art work is achieved.

2. The method of claim 1 with said rubbing being directed to be generally in accordance with the form of said subject.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said material is of first color and further including the step of rubbing said surface with a material of second color.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said rubbing of said first and second colored materials is directed to be generally in accordance with the form of said subject.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said rubbing of said first and second colored materials is at least in part on mutually exclusive areas of said observable surface, said mutually exclusive areas being determined in accordance with the form of said subject.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said surface is on a flexible sheet overlying a member having projections formed to characterize the variable shading, said flexible sheet being adaptable to the projections of said member to provide projections thereon such that said material is deposited on said projections on said flexible sheet.

7. The method of claim 1 further including the step of applying a transparent fixing substance over said deposited material and said observable surface.

8. The method of claim 1 further including the step of selectively applying a paint over said observable surface.

9. The method of claim 7 further including the step of selectively applying a paint over said observable surface.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said object has definable parts with an observable demarcation therebetween, and wherein said rubbing of said observable surface issubstantially confined to a first definable part of said object.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein said object has definable parts with an observable demarcation therebetween, and wherein a material of a first color is rubbed on one of said definable parts of said object and is substantially confined to said one definable part of said object, and wherein a material of a second color is rubbed on another definable part of said object and is substantially confined to said other definable part of said object.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein increasingly darker shades are represented by increasing accumulative areas of said upper surface portions.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein increasingly darker shades are represented by increasing accumulative areas of said upper surface portions.

14. The method of claim 6 wherein said member has a plurality of spaced distinct parts of an object repre- 7 8 sented thereon which are interrelated in a determinable 3,236,674 2/ 1966 Coney et a1. 117-10 manner, and said flexible sheet is positionable on said 2,541,497 2/1951 Buxbaum 4()135 UX member for transfer of said distinct parts onto said flexible sheet by depositing said material on said sheet ALFRED L. LEAV Prlmary EXamlIlel so as to join said distinct parts of said object in said 5 ESPOSITO, Assistant Examiner determinable manner.

US. Cl. X.R.

Refe'enc Cted 111-s, 3s, 45; 411-135, 136

UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,386,418 10/1945 Armbrust 117-38 10 2,645,049 7/1953 Brown "117-37 R 

